Manchester City's new contract talks with Raheem Sterling have again stalled.
The Guardian says Etihad chiefs are refusing to meet Sterling's wage demands of £275,000 a week - £100k more than his current deal.
That would almost draw the England winger, 23, level with top earner Kevin De Bruyne.
City boss Pep Guardiola leaves negotiating to director of football Txiki Begiristain.
Both parties are some distance from agreeing a new deal - but are willing to be patient.
Sterling joined City from Liverpool in the summer of 2015 for £49million on a five-year contract.